Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: Does Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Influence Ear Nose Throat Manifestations?

Abstract

To study the change in trend of ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations in patients who were on treatment, before and after availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). To find out the prevalence of ENT manifestations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected people who were on treatment, in the year of 2004 (before the availability of HAART) and in 2014 (after the availability of HAART). Design A combination of a retrospective and prospective study. Setting Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) Center at Our Hospital. Subjects Patients with HIV infection on ART. Methods Retrospective review of case records of the patients visiting the center in the year 2004 and prospective study of the patients visiting in the year 2014 was conducted. Sample size was calculated as 200 in each group based on 95% confidence and 96% power. Convenience sampling was used in our study. The prevalence of ENT manifestations in HIV patients were found to be 86% in 2004 and 93% in 2014. Among ENT manifestations oropharyngeal manifestations were most common. Lesser the CD4 count more was the prevalence of disorders in oropharynx. Our study showed a high prevalence of ENT manifestations in HIV patients who were on treatment, irrespective of the gap of 10 years and introduction of HAART therapy. Most common ENT manifestation both in 2004 and 2014 was oropharyngeal candidiasis. Lesser the CD4 count more was the prevalence of disorders in oropharynx.